What Makes Lake Manyara NP So Special?

Covering just 330 square kilometers (with about two-thirds of that taken up by the lake itself), Lake Manyara National Park is a compact, diverse, and utterly enchanting destination. It lies between Arusha and Ngorongoro, making it a perfect stop along Tanzania’s Northern Safari Circuit.

What makes it special?

  • An ever-changing alkaline lake that draws thousands of flamingos

  • A dense groundwater forest—home to blue monkeys and baboons

  • Open savannas, hot springs, and acacia woodlands packed into a single park

  • Those legendary tree-climbing lions (yes, they’re real!)

Tree-Climbing Lions

You’ve probably seen lions lying in grass, right? But in Lake Manyara, they take it up a notch—literally. Here, some of the park’s lions are known to climb trees and lounge in branches, a rare and curious behavior that has baffled wildlife experts for decades.

While nobody knows for sure why they do it (maybe to escape bugs or heat?), spotting one lazily perched on an acacia limb is a true safari trophy moment.

Birdwatching Paradise

Calling all bird lovers! With over 400 bird species, Lake Manyara is a feathered heaven. The lake’s alkaline waters attract flamingos by the thousands, often turning the shoreline bright pink.

Keep an eye out for:

  • Pelicans

  • Storks

  • Kingfishers

  • Hornbills

  • Fish eagles

  • Crowned cranes

Wildlife Galore Compact but Rich

Lake Manyara may be small, but the wildlife density is unreal. You won’t drive far without seeing something amazing. Here’s what you can expect:

  • Elephants wandering gracefully through the forest

  • Giraffes snacking on acacia leaves

  • Zebras, wildebeest, and buffalo grazing on the floodplains

  • Hippos chilling in hippo pools

  • Troops of olive baboons and blue monkeys playing in the trees

And let’s not forget the smaller stars: klipspringers, dik-diks, and mongoose make the place feel like a wildlife wonderland.

Hot Springs & Hidden Gems

Head to the southern end of the park and you’ll find a surprise: Maji Moto, a series of hot springs bubbling up from underground. These steamy pools create otherworldly mineral deposits and offer a unique photo opportunity.